Back-to-School Shopping Eased by Tax-Free Week

Sunday kicked off a week of tax-free shopping, just in time for back-to-school shopping.

The usual 6 percent sales tax will be dropped from most clothing and footwear under $100. Accessories are not included. The holiday lasts through Saturday.

For a list of College Park clothing and shoe stores where you can take advantage of the tax vacation, visit the Patch directory.

Not sure the item you want is tax free this week? Check the list, which includes surprisingly great detail. Examples: Bowling shirts and cowboy boots are tax exempt this week. Fishing boots are not.

While back-to-school shoppers will celebrate the statewide tax holiday, some Maryland officials have predicted a loss of $10 million to $15 million in revenue, reported the Baltimore Sun.

State Comptroller Peter Franchot, however, was enthusiastic about the holiday.

"Even though I am the tax collector, I believe tax-free days generate enough economic activity that it is worth it," he said, according to the Baltimore Sun.